barracuda

[baldy]

Hey guys its my first time out here. Maybe i didnt explain myself right. i have a 1973 barracuda, which i have had for 20 years. i came with a 318 which is not original and a vinyl top. where the roof meets the body its completely rotted. my thoughts were the chances of finding a cuda convert are slim and very expensive. I would like to chop the roof off make a fun car for summertime. Any thoughts, advice on this would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

you can do anything you want with enough time and or skill...certainly be different, probably pretty ugly lookin if you ask me. but if you wanna do it, more power to ya.

...add some frame support too.

[67vertman]

Yes, but you better know what you are doing. 

You will need to add body supports like the do on a convertible or the body will sag.

[wally426ci]

Ok, welcome Baldy. I strongly advise ruining your car though..... 

[4Cruizn]

Welcome to the site baldy!  As noted prior, you will definitely have to support the unibody as the roof is a major support of the car.  Hope you enjoy the site.

 

[71bigblock]

It's been done.  There is a local one by me.  Its a later 'Cuda convertible, dark green.  RareT/A has pics, I hope he can chime in.  I believe he knows some about it, too.   

[Black340]

 

[baldy]

HEY Guys my first time out here. Maybe I didn't explain myself right. I have a 1973 barracuda , that I have had for 20 years. It came with a vinyl top. The roof where it meets the body is completey rotted. My thoughts were the chances of finding a cuda convert are slim and very expensive. So I was hoping someone could stere me in the right direction. The came with a 318 witch not original and I paid 250$ for the car. I would like to chop the roof off and make a fun car for summertime. any thoughts, advice on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[torredcuda]

As has been said already if you chop the roof off you need to add support elsewhere or the body will flex and sag.There are frame connectors and torque boxes available you can weld in and then chop away.Making a convertable form a hardtop has been done before but doing it right is a lot of work,making a roadster would still be some work to do it right but would be different.Not my taste but it`s your car and since it`s not a rare or numbers car go for it and have fun.

[wally426ci]

Ok, now i understand the condition of the car... I thought you were thinking of "chopping" it and all.... You know AMD is making roof skins... that could also be a way to go. But, if your in just for a convertible, you may get some good notes here. Definitely brace the car very well.... 

[IMNCARN82]

Fix it or sell it.

[tancuda]

 

[Jacksboys]

Do you have any pictures of the car?  There might be someone who would be willing to purchase it and save it from losing any value it has left.  Don't take this the wrong way, but if you do chop the top off, chances are that you will not be able to sell it in the future, except for parts.   Your car, your choice.

[Cuda Wuda]

 

[Street_Challenged73]

Welcome to the site!   It may seem like a simple concept to chop the bad roof off and build a convertible, but it would probably end up being more of a nightmare than trying to restore a completely rotted out convertible.  It's probably easier to purchase a new roof section and stick with a hardtop.